Bogut scoffs at Longley legacy

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As he prepares to make NBA draft history, Victoria's Andrew
Bogut has aimed some barbed comments at previously highest-drafted
Australian Luc Longley.

Bogut has firmed as the likely No. 1 pick in today's draft, an
honour that will reap instant fame for the 20-year-old, but he
dismissed comparison with Longley in less than glowing terms.

As holders of the first pick, Milwaukee will choose between
Bogut and North Carolina freshman Marvin Williams, thereby
surpassing Longley, who was selected seventh overall by Minnesota
in 1991.

Comparisons were always likely, but not to Bogut.

"I've had a better collegiate career than anyone else from
Australia that came over here," he said. "I'm not as slow as Luc
Longley, I'm more athletic, I can shoot better, I'm more
competitive. So I think it's not even fair to bring that name
up."

Longley, who went on to win three NBA championships with the
Chicago Bulls, said yesterday that Bogut's comments showed a lack
of respect for him and the other Australians who had made it to the
NBA, in particular Andrew Gaze who, unlike Bogut, played in the
NCAA championship game.

"I'm disappointed for him that he's made such a clumsy start,"
Longley said. "He's inexperienced and he got caught out. I'd like
to see him do well and if he's as good as he says he is - and I'm
expecting genius - he should make it, but the signs aren't good so
far."

There is a stigma in American sport and particularly basketball
about highly regarded white athletes, with some scouts speculating
213cm tall centre Bogut will ultimately prove a bust. But he was
quick to reassure doubters he has the skills to make it in the
NBA.

"The whole 'big, great white stiff' thing comes up every now and
then," he said. "That's just the thing in America. The big white
guy isn't supposed to be as good as the big black guy. That's
something I can't control and I'm just going to work hard.